BABSON PARK, Mass. — Smith College (23-1, 10-0) defeated Babson College (16-8, 8-2), 67-49, at Staake Gymnasium, securing the win with a 24-point lead in the fourth quarter. The Bears maintained a strong defense, allowing Babson a field goal percentage of just 30.4.

Smith opened the game with a commanding performance, scoring early with an Ella Sylvester (Everett, WA/Everett) layup just 16 seconds into the first quarter. Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep) and Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) each contributed to an impressive long-range attack, with Johnson hitting three 3-pointers. By the 6:01 mark, the Bears had extended their lead to 17-5. Despite Babson's attempts to close the gap, including a 3-pointer by Rylie Rosenberg at 1:32, the Bears maintained control. Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran) closed the quarter with a fast-break 3-pointer, securing a 28-12 lead for Smith at the end of the first quarter.

Smith maintained its control in the second quarter, outscoring Babson 12-8. Nakamura contributed a fast-break layup at 5:27, while Johnson added a jumper to extend the lead to 35-17 at the 3:58 mark. Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial) was active on the boards, securing both defensive and offensive rebounds, and converting a layup at 2:42. Babson's Rosenberg hit a 3-pointer at 2:17, but Smith's defense held firm, with Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover) closing the quarter with a layup at 14 seconds left, bringing the score to 40-20.

Smith maintained its substantial lead over Babson in the third quarter despite both teams scoring 16 points. Sylvester hit two free throws at the 8:31 mark, extending their lead to 42-21. Babson's Rosenberg responded with a three-pointer at 7:33, narrowing the gap slightly. Johnson contributed a three-pointer with 1:24 remaining, and Maggie Fleming (Downers Grove, IL/Downers Grove) assisted on her layup to help close the quarter. Smith capitalized on fast-break opportunities, with Martin adding a layup in transition with 15 seconds left, ensuring the visitors sustained their advantage into the final quarter.

Smith maintained its dominant lead in the fourth quarter with Williams opening the scoring with a layup, assisted by Jillian Nowicki (San Diego, CA/Our Lady of Peace), at 9:50. Babson responded with Alyssa Hopps scoring in the paint at 8:58, but Smith continued to extend its lead with a three-pointer from Nowicki at 5:22. Babson's Rosenberg managed a late three-pointer at 2:10, but Nowicki answered back with another three-pointer at 1:51, securing a comfortable margin. Despite a late effort by Babson, Smith closed out the quarter with a 67-49 victory.

Smith Top Performers

Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest)  
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- 16 points  
- 4 3-pointers  
- 2 assists  

Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover)  
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- 13 points  
- 8 rebounds  
- 3 assists  

Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran)  
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- 10 points  
- 2 steals  

Maggie Fleming (Downers Grove, IL/Downers Grove)  
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- 2 blocks  
- 4 rebounds  

Jillian Nowicki (San Diego, CA/Our Lady of Peace)  
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- 6 points  
- 2 3-pointers  

Up Next

Smith travels to MIT in the regular season finale on Saturday, February 21 at 3:00pm

About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log onto GoSmithBears.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram